Fitness-based Charter school proposed to Pike Creek Valley Civic League

The Pike Creek Valley Civic League hosted their first meeting of the new year on Monday, Feb. 4.

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By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News,@DaniHockessinCN

Hockessin Community News

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News,@DaniHockessinCN

Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 9:29 AM
Updated Feb 7, 2013 at 9:33 AM

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News,@DaniHockessinCN

Posted Feb. 7, 2013 at 9:29 AM
Updated Feb 7, 2013 at 9:33 AM

Pike Creek, DE

The Pike Creek Valley Civic League hosted their first meeting of the new year on Monday, Feb. 4. The topic of discussion was the proposed Pike Creek Charter Middle School for grades 6, 7, and 8 with a planned 125 students per grade for 4905 Mermaid Blvd., the current site of Delaware Swim & Fitness.

The proposal was presented by Michael Smith and Yvonne Johnson, representing the Charter School, and State Representative Michael Ramone, (R-Newark), the owner and current major business occupant of the property.

Ramone stated that the fitness center is zoned commercial, which is why a traffic impact study is not required. However, he stated that this middle school is half the size of other local schools and already has over 250 parking spots.

Ramone said that traffic would be worse if his property became an office complex: "The ebb and flow in a growing commercial entity is much more problematic than the school," he said.

Local residents still argued with Ramone that even though a traffic impact study is not required, it would still ease their minds if one was performed. Ramone said it currently not in the project's budget to have one completed.

Pike Creek Charter's application has been submitted to the Delaware Department of Education and they will not know for a few months if they received the charter. If they do, Ramone will find a new location to open a new fitness center.

The new school is intended to open in the fall of 2014.

The mission of Pike Creek Charter Middle School is to promote pre-adolescent student achievement through rigorous academic instruction while incorporating wellness and fitness strategies. Through the utilization of the mission, the school's vision is to ensure students are prepared to succeed in the most prestigious academic setting and are well prepared to lead a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

To learn more about the school, visit their website at www.pikecreekchartermiddle.org/.

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News,@DaniHockessinCN

Hockessin Community News

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman,Hockessin Community News,@DaniHockessinCN